Kitty's insulin-free life after 40 years of diabetes

Kitty Castellini is a trouper. You may have heard that statement in connection with many people but when it comes down to diabetes, Kitty is an example of having "been there, done that" and now doing something to help others.

Kitty was diagnosed with diabetes at age 3 and for more than 40 years was determined to live a normal lifestyle with diabetes, first taking shots and eventually wearing an insulin pump while testing 15, 20 times a day.

In August 2001, she lost her eyesight to diabetic retinopathy which led to three major eye operations to help restore her sight. Between this experience and suffering from diabetic gastroparesis she reached a low point in her life.

In her search for medical team to help her with her battle, she met Dr. Joseph J. Fallon, Jr., an endocrinologist who lives with type 1 diabetes and now co-hosts alongside Kitty the the weekly radio show Diabetes Living Today.

After years of learning more about this disease and enrolling for a clinical trial at the Diabetes Research Institute, on August 13, 2004 Kitty underwent a Pancreas Transplant Alone (PTA) at the The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.

Almost five years later she still lives an insulin-free life. Do you have any questions for Kitty? You can ask them here or leave her comments on her TuDiabetes profile page.

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Permalink Reply by Equestrian on March 9, 2009 at 9:14pm
Hi Kitty, I was so excited to read your bio. I 've had type1 for 42 years. Eye, kidney and neuropathy complications are creeping up on me. Although I am on a pump, and diligent with testing, diet and exercise, control is still not under 6 A1C and I have a terrible standard deviation. Please provide more information on the transplant and what the parameters are for qualifying. My kidney funtion hovers around 60% and I know this is important for outlook from steriodial application after transplant. Please tell me how the procedure, recovery was, and how your quality of life is now. Thank you so much. Laura
Permalink Reply by Kitty Castellini on March 22, 2009 at 4:13pm
Hi Laura, 60% kidney function would mean a kidney/pancres transplant. However what you need to know is that most centers like to wait until kidney function is well below 50%. Keep in mind each center varies... Research has shown tha it is better to get a kidney transplant prior to starting on dialysis... You will keep the kidney much longer. There on many options available today, one a living donor kidney with the pancreas being listed through UNOS and that coming later... Second.. kidney/pancreas coming from same donor. The waiting list for just a pancreas varies from center to center.. average wait is 5 to 8 years for just a kidney... Kidney/pancreas average wait is 17 months. I know a gal who waited over 4 years for just a pancreas.

I'd like to suggest that you work very close with your endocrinologist. To read more about my transplant visit: www.diabeteslivingtoday.com

Laura, I have to tell you that you are better off living with diabetes that being immunosuppressed. Most centers will look for at least three major complications in order to be considered for transplantation.

Knowledge Laura, Knowledge.... get all the information that you can... Reach out if you need me..

Your friend, kitty xoxox
Permalink Reply by Nic on March 17, 2009 at 1:19am
Hi Kitty - fascinated by your story - would love to hear more about the five years after you had the transplant and your transition to zero insulin! Thanks, Nic
Permalink Reply by Kitty Castellini on March 22, 2009 at 3:57pm
Hi Nic,

I am doing extemely well post pancreas transplant alone (PTA) I have my own kidneys and they are still working great. My transition to zero insulin was mind blowing. My insulin pump was removed just before I was taken into the OR. I still have my 508 insulin pump, it is packed away. In the beginning it was scary to eat something, like a Reese's Cup and not to have to take insulin... I would test only to see no rise in my sugar level. A few years ago I was going out to eat with my husband, I told him we needed to go home as I had not taken my insulin. he laughed and said that's OK you don't need it. It then dawned on me that one I was insulin-free and also had I been on insulin it was in my pump, not a syringe...

I am very happy to answer any questions that you may have. You can read more on my rare transplant by visiting www.diabeteslivingtoday.com

Big Hugs, kitty
Permalink Reply by StaceyP on March 17, 2009 at 7:06am
I am hopeful: my husband has been on the kidney/pancreas transplant for almost a year!!! He is 38-he has had diabetes since 16-I pray we get a call soon!! I so hope it all works out!!!! So happy for you!!!
Permalink Reply by Kitty Castellini on March 22, 2009 at 3:59pm
Hi Stacey,

Sending Prayer's and Many warm wished to you and your husband! I to hope that he gets his call soon.

Much Luv, kitty
Permalink Reply by RMF on March 17, 2009 at 8:30am
Hello Kitty: I am so thrilled for you. I have type 2 diabetes and I have been having troubles with blurred vision, sugar up and down, and weight gain from diabetes and thyroid, and depression. In August I crashed and took my first ride in an ambulance at the age of 48, what a trip. I just wished I could find a good doctor and one that isn't so expensive since my insurance will not cover any of it, or even medicine that you do not gain weight and reasonable priced. God Bless! rmf
Permalink Reply by Kitty Castellini on March 22, 2009 at 4:01pm
Dear RMF, I hear ya loud and clear... keep knocking down doors! hugs, kitty
Permalink Reply by Jasmine Ong on March 17, 2009 at 10:22am
Congratulations, Kitty! Thanks so much for sharing your story and continuing to help others with this disease. I am creeping up on my 21st anniversary of diagnosis, which happened when I was ten years old. I'm doing pretty well but still struggle every day, just like anyone with diabetes does. I really appreciate hearing about the journeys of other diabetics, and I think one of the best tools we have to deal with diabetes is sharing our trials and successes with each other.
Permalink Reply by Kitty Castellini on March 22, 2009 at 4:03pm
Jasmine, I always tell our listener's on my show that I am a true believer that diabetics learn from other diabetics. Keep up your spirit with your 21st anniversary. I Pray For A Cure!

Luv Ya,,, Your Friend, kitty

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